The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Barbara Halsey to its Board of Directors. Halsey is a resident of Sparta, North Carolina and will represent the arts and culture sector on the board.
“Barbara is a highly regarded community leader, and she brings a passion for our Western North Carolina traditions,” said Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Executive Director Angie Chandler. “Her visionary leadership will be a great addition to an already well-rounded board of directors.”
Halsey’s leadership skills have been enhanced through many years of serving on the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce Board, the Sparta Revitalization Board, and the Educational Foundation Board. She currently serves as president of the Alleghany Arts Council.
Halsey says she is looking forward to bringing attention to smaller counties rich with natural and cultural treasures.
“I believe that our heritage is the heart and soul of who we are, and serving on this board will inspire me, and hopefully others, to appreciate and honor all the true craft artists we have in our 25-county area,” explained Halsey.
As the former owner and operator of Harmony Hill Bed and Breakfast in Sparta for 25 years, Halsey has experienced first-hand the positive impact of BRNHA’s efforts. “The Blue Ridge Music Trails has been huge for music lovers who search the Blue Ridge Music Trails website daily or weekly to plan their musical events when they are in the area. When these folks visit our areas, they are stimulating our economy in many ways. We look forward to the Blue Ridge Craft Trails drawing tourists to our designated areas in the same way and providing income to our talented craft artists in these areas.”
